Christie praises Moonachie volunteers rebuilding in wake of Sandy

Gov. Chris Christie congratulates Kayla, a local girl scout for her volunteer efforts in Moonachie.

(David Giambusso/The Star-Ledger)

MOONACHIE — Just two miles down the road from MetLife stadium, where Super Bowl fans will pay more than $2,000 for a ticket, a working-class neighborhood in Moonachie is still rebuilding after suffering extensive damage during Hurricane Sandy.

Today, Gov. Chris Christie and First Lady Mary Pat Christie showed up at one home devastated by the storm to congratulate volunteers from Rebuilding Together, a volunteer group that helps rebuild homes for low-income families, and to welcome Robert and Christina Meyer back to their Joseph Street home.

"All these folks are tremendous partners in this effort," Christie said, giving shout outs to Lowe's and Bob's Discount Furniture for donating furniture and supplies to the renovation. "But who we're really here for is Rob and Chris and their family. They are the faces of Sandy."

Christie, who's administration is facing allegations of using Sandy recovery money to threaten the mayor of Hoboken, acknowledged frustrations in the process of rebuilding. But he repeated his commitment to restore homes and businesses still reeling from the 2012 storm.

"I ran for a second term predominantly for this because it is a job that is unfinished," Christie said to a group of roughly 30 volunteers huddled outside of the Meyer's home.

"There'll be frustrations along the way... There will be folks who do their jobs well and ones who do their jobs poorly," he said. "The one's who do their jobs well, we'll pat 'em on the back. The one's who do their jobs poorly, we'll kick 'em the hell out."

Christie did not take questions from reporters.

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